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Ford may join rival Volkswagen by introducing plug-in hybrid models in Europe. Ford already sells plug-in versions of its Fusion and C-Max in the United States, but the company hasn't launched plug-ins in Europe because of low demand.

Ford may join rival Volkswagen by introducing plug-in hybrid models in Europe. Ford already sells plug-in versions of its Fusion and C-Max in the U.S., but the company hasn't launched plug-ins in Europe because of low demand.

Our colleagues at endurance-info.com posted some news, information and rumours about the new Nissan GT-R LM NISMO sports car that will compete in endurance racing next season.

In 2015, Nissan will join three other major car manufacturers - Audi, Toyota and Porsche - in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The facts. The shakedown of the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO sports car will take place at Nissan's private test facility in Arizona; a huge 3,050 acres ground with a 9.2km super oval.

The first test will be held at Sebring International Raceway in Florida at the beginning of December.

“It is no longer a secret that the engine of the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO will be located at the front of the car, and not at the rear like all other LMP1 cars”, wrote the web site. Now, that's revolutionary.

“According to our sources, the Nissan engine has been running on the dyno for quite a along time now. Apparently, it is a twin turbo V6 petrol engine,” they added.

Now, the rumours. Not a single word from Nissan in regards to its drivers. However, names are mentioned in conversations, such as Olivier Pla, Nick Heidfeld, Stephane Sarrazin, Jann Mardenborough, Lucas Ordonez, Ronnie Quintarelli, Masataka Yanagida and Tsugio Matsuda.

On a final note, Nissan could decide to enter three cars in every round of the 2015 WEC.

Photo: Nissan

From wrc.com

Former world rally champion Petter Solberg will return to the wheel of a World Rally Car when he tackles Rallye du Condroz-Huy in Belgium, November 1-2.

The Norwegian, recently crowned inaugural FIA World Rallycross champion, will drive a Citroen C4 WRC prepared by Marc VDS Racing Team. He will be partnered by Phil Mills, with whom he won the 2003 FIA World Rally Championship for Subaru.

Petter Solberg (Photo: wrc.com)

Solberg's rivals include Citroen's Kris Meeke, who will pilot a DS3 R5, and Citroen Racing director Yves Matton, who will also drive a C4 WRC. Matton will be co-driven by Daniel Elena, the man who guided Sebastien Loeb to nine world titles.

“I have great memories of the C4 in the World Rally Championship. But it's important not to forget that I haven't competed in a rally for two years,” said Solberg, whose last World Rally Car outing was at Rally de España in 2012 in a Ford Fiesta RS.

“It will take some time to find my bearings again. That will also be the case with Phil. Our last event together was in 2010 and we're going to have to relearn how to write pace notes!” he added.

The asphalt rally comprises 22 stages covering almost 243km in two days.

In a recent interview with CNN, Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen said he wanted to finish his career at Ferrari.

The Finn, who's had a difficult season behind the wheel of the underpowered Ferrari F14 T so far this season, declared he plans to finish his career with the prestigious Italian car constructor.

However, Raikkonen did not mention when his career would end.

Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, currently with Red Bull Racing, is expected to move to Ferrari next year, taking the place of Fernando Alonso who is tipped to move to McLaren.

"I have a contract for next year and probably for one more year," Raikkonen told CNN.

"But I'm not a young guy anymore.

"I want to do something more with my life than just Formula 1. I will finish my career with Ferrari.

"I never lost the passion. I will stop the day when I feel I don't enjoy it anymore."

Raikkonen said he would continue to race after his Formula 1 career.

"I really enjoy the whole NASCAR thing," Raikkonen declared. "It's just completely different and fun. It was a good experience.

"Hopefully I can do more (races) some day. I've said I'd like to do some more rallies in the future."

Toronto's IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe started off this week in a new role as a test driver for Road & Track magazine.

The three-time Verizon IndyCar Series race winner was tasked by magazine editors to test drive a Porsche 962, one of the most legendary sports cars on the planet, alongside Porsche's new 918, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an upcoming issue.

Using the 2.4-mile road course as a proving ground to pit the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning factory 962 against the 887-horsepower hybrid 918, Hinchcliffe was asked to extract the maximum performance from both cars to compare and contrast the modern technology against one of the last great sports car prototypes.

The works Porsche 962 (Photo: IndyCar)

“I'm a big fan of the history of the sport, so getting the call to drive one of the greatest sports cars in history -- that just so happens to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans the same year I was born -- was beyond cool,” Hinchcliffe said.

“It's one of the cars I've seen at museums and always wondered what it was like to drive. To be able to not only drive it, but to get to thrash it ... at Indianapolis, no less, and then compare it wheel-to-wheel, with the fastest production car to lap the Nürburgring ... it makes for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a pretty awesome day. You know you've arrived when you get invited to test cars like these, and it's humbling, trust me.”

Hinchcliffe said he was surprised by the performance of the Porsches.

“It's old race car versus new road car, but with the advances in road car technology it got me excited and interested to see how close they'd be,” he said.

“They both have strengths and weaknesses, but it wasn't a clear case where one was way ahead or behind the other one. I think readers will enjoy the data and feedback we gathered on how they performed, and I can tell you I wasn't taking it easy on either of them.

“They both make a lot of power, they deliver that power in very different ways, and where one has all of the modern tricks and technology poured into it, the other reminded you why it was unbeatable during its era. They're very different creatures, but don't let the age or where they were designed to perform fool you. We did a lot of filming, too, so I can't wait for people to see them in action and to read about the test.”

Jules Bianchi's terrible and unexpected crash at Suzuka during the Japanese Grand Prix sadly reminded us that the helmets are not just cool items, but primarily a vital piece of safety equipment.

The full-face crash helmet is the only thing that saves the head of the driver in case of an accident, and protects it from flying debris, forceful decelerations, and impacts.

Toro Rosso Jean-Eric Vergne's crash helmet. The reinforcement panel is seen above the sheild. (Photo: WRi2)

Auto123.com talked about helmet safety with Martine Kindt Cohen, C.E.O. of Bell Racing Europe.

The sporting regulations state that F1 drivers must wear a Snell SA2015 crash helmet homologated to the FIA Standard 8860 - Advanced
Helmet Test Specification (Technical List N°33).

A manufacturer that wants to have its crash helmets certified must send a certain number of them to an approved test lab.

“The tests are performed by an approved laboratory. Then, a report is sent to the FIA which in return publish a list of the homologated crash helmets,” Mrs. Cohen explained.

The testing procedures are detailed in a document belonging to the FIA.

Tests conducted on the helmets include linear impact tests, abrasion tests, destructive tests, fireproof tests, and dynamic impacts tests. For all these tests, the conditions are clearly listed (such as forces to be applied, direction, temperature, speed of impact, height, etc.)

To guarantee a certain level of safety, the F1 helmet must be lower than a specified weight.

Test of resistance to fire. (Photo: Snell Memorial Foundation)

“The complete helmet must not be below 1,450g, including the radio system, drinking tube, spoilers, shield, and paint job. Good painters will not use more than 30g of paint to do a helmet,” she added.

Since Felipe Massa's accident in Hungary 2009, all F1 helmets must be fitted with a reinforcement panel.

FIA's technical requirements for the reinforcement panel. (Image: FIA)

“The reinforcement panel is a solution, but not a standard yet. The FIA included it in the sporting regulations, but it is not yet standard,” she said.

“This panel is made of Zylon and cost some 350 euros to make. The FIA gives the helmet manufacturer some freedom for the shape of the panel and its bounding method. Securing the panel in place is the most difficult procedure. We at Bell Sport Europe have found a very efficient way to put it in place. Our rivals have a few problems with that, especially in the rain. We would prefer that this panel be integrated into the shell of the helmet. That would be much better,” Mrs. Cohen explained.

Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team has clinched the 2014 Formula 1 constructors' crown in Russia last weekend. However, team boss Toto Wolff asked his drivers not to change their approach.

Wolff told new championship leader Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to race each other over the final three Grands Prix of the season.

Following their infamous collision at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, both drivers were severely reminded that team objectives and silverware were the ultimate priority.

Their one-two finish in Sochi last weekend earned Mercedes AMG its first ever constructors' title and all but guaranteed Hamilton or Rosberg the drivers' crown.

Podium at Sochi. (Photo: WRi2)

“I don't think we are going to change something in our approach because we want them to race each other respectfully,” Wolff said in an interview posted on Formula1.com.

“Of course 92 points means [Ricciardo] would need to win all three remaining races and Lewis [Hamilton] not score eight points. Even though I am a pessimist, that would be a ‘black swan, black swan, black swan' event.

“We saw in Russia [that] Nico missed the braking [point] on the dirty line and Lewis was very cold blooded, and it was good.

“So it will not change the approach. We don't want it to end in some kind of circumstance with events on the track...”

After winning in Sochi - his fourth consecutive victory and ninth of the season - Hamilton leads Rosberg by 17 points in the drivers' championship, the biggest advantage the former World Champion has enjoyed all season.

The two Mercedes drivers in action. (Photo: WRi2)

Over 1.7 million people have now watched Nissan's new commercial featuring the 2015 Versa Note on YouTube since it went online on September 30th.

Titled “Revenge,” the ad shows a man throwing away a small action figure after accidentally sitting on it. When he goes to the garage and steps inside his Versa Note, the entire collection is surrounding him. He manages to escape using Nissan's Around View Monitor.

From press release

Following last year's victory, SJM Theodore Racing by Prema returns to Macau with an expanded team of three cars, driven by Frenchman Esteban Ocon, Antonio Fuoco of Italy and Canada's Nicholas Latifi.

Speaking about the challenge, all three drivers expressed pride and happiness at being part of the SJM Theodore Racing by Prema team in the 61st Macau Grand Prix.

Ocon, a Lotus F1 Junior Team driver and recently crowned champion of the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, will drive car No. 1.

Fuoco, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy who ranks fifth overall in European F3, will be one of his teammates

Nicholas Latifi, who is tenth in the European F3 standings, added, “The Macau Grand Prix is a track that I really enjoy and I'm confident that, considering the team's success, the weekend will be very special.”

Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. ("SJM") is the title sponsor and official partner of SJM Theodore Racing by Prema. The trio of SJM Theodore Racing by Prema entries for the 2014 event will utilize Mercedes-Benz powered Dallara Formula 3 cars.

Antonio Fuoco's Formula 3 car livery for the 2014 Macau GP (Illustration: Thedore Racing)

Porsche has plans to offer a diesel option with the Macan crossover in the U.S. by the end of 2015.

"We are now busy with the development and the engineering," Andre Oosthuizen, vice president of marketing for Porsche Cars North America Inc., told Automotive News. "I can confirm that V6 diesel offering with about 245 hp."

The diesel variant would reportedly be priced below $60,000 USD, positioning itself between the entry-level Macan S and the high-performance Macan Turbo.

Photo: Porsche

The new diesel is expected to be a version of the 3.0L turbodiesel V6 offered on the Macan in Europe and other markets. We may get a preview at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales to begin in late 2015 or early 2016.

As for the 4-cylinder Macan currently sold in China and the U.K., Oosthuizen said it's "not under consideration for the foreseeable future" for the U.S.

Source : autonews.com

As of September 2014, Toyota has sold 7 million hybrid vehicles worldwide since the first Prius was released on the market. What's even more impressive is that the last million hybrids were sold in just nine months.

Including hybrid vehicles launched this year, Toyota will introduce a total of 15 new hybrids globally through 2015.

The automaker today sells 27 different hybrid models and one plug-in hybrid model in more than 90 countries and regions. In the U.S., Toyota and Lexus offer 12 hybrid models and one plug-in model, which account for 70% of industry hybrid sales.

Mother Nature couldn't be happier. To date Toyota hybrid vehicles have resulted in approximately 49 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions - and saved 4.75 billion gallons of gasoline - than would have been emitted or used by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Photo: Toyota

On November 19th, Audi will unveil a new concept at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show - the first to be penned under new design director Marc Lichte.

Lichte, 45, was appointed in February 2014, and for him the core competences of the brand - sportiness, lightweight design and quattro drive - all have a high level of importance.

The concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show will reportedly mark a new beginning in Audi design - both exterior and interior.

Photo: Audi

From press release

McLaren has launched a new interactive app, providing mobile and tablet users with the most elegant and seamless access to the world of McLaren and Formula 1.

The McLaren App, which is available to download from Apple's App Store via this link: https://appsto.re/gb/MuBZ2.i, pulls together all of the team's social media content, McLaren.com stories, and a wealth of app-only content that has been specifically designed for the platform.

At its heart is the Transmission Centre, a central hub that constantly updates a stream of chat, photography, video and comment from a variety of social media sources.

During race sessions, the Transmission Centre's LIVE panel expands to accommodate constantly updated insights and commentary from the track, including radio conversations and real-time data. During race weekends, the McLaren App becomes the ultimate second-screen viewing experience.

Photo: McLaren

Also available on the app are driver biographies and galleries, data and videos about the team's 2014 car, and info on every circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. App-only content includes an exclusive F1 glossary, which provides the most comprehensive guide yet to modern grand prix racing's complex rules and regulations.

Fans also get a taste of the wider world of McLaren with social feeds from our fans, partners and road car company, McLaren Automotive. The sheer volume and concentration of content means that the dedicated McLaren fan will never miss a thing.

The McLaren App is available now from Apple's App Store for iPhone and iPad devices - or via this link: https://appsto.re/gb/MuBZ2.i

An Android version is due for release in early 2015.

In an effort to redefine the brand's image and become more competitive, Acura is planning to follow Subaru's lead by making all-wheel drive standard on all of its models.

Offering more powerful engines is another possibility.

"I think that's the way we should go," said Koichi Fukuo, Acura's top global executive.

Half of all Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. this year featured AWD, and other premium makes are posting similar numbers (BMW: 58%; Audi 90%).

AWD is currently available with the TLX midsize sedan and will be standard on the upcoming RLX Sport Hybrid full-size sedan.

Source : autonews

Photo: Acura

Málaga, Spain -- Like every other model in the Audi lineup, the redesigned TT gets the S treatment in an effort to appeal to performance enthusiasts who want more than just good looks. Based on my recent albeit brief experience in Spain, I guarantee that anyone who takes the hot and spicy 2016 Audi TTS for a spin will have a smile on their face the entire time.


How the TTS stands out
While Audi prefers to use subtle design upgrades to set its sportier models apart from the rest, the TTS does have some distinctive attributes including specific badges, a chrome grille, and larger front intakes.

Another giveway -- and a big one -- is the pair of twin tailpipes in the rear, separated by a contrasting diffuser. Upon closer inspection, you'll also notice that the ventilated discs and black brake callipers up front are larger. As for the wheels, the 2016 Audi TTS comes standard with 18” alloys that can grow to 20” via the options menu.

Juiced-up engine
The German automaker didn't try to reinvent the wheel here, either; they only improved upon it. The 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection returns, but gains 45 horsepower for a total of 310. Meanwhile, torque has increased to 280 lb-ft (+22).

Power is handled by a 6-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission, and then distributed to all four corners through Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. While European models also offer a 6-speed manual gearbox (same thing with the regular TT), this unit sadly won't be available in North America.

Time to hit the road!
Audi held the media launch of the new 2016 TT and TTS in the gorgeous region of Málaga, in the southern part of Spain. First, I got my hands on a manual version, if only to get a taste of what we'll be missing out on. We left the beach in the wee hours of the morning and headed toward the mountains where we found a surprisingly crowded road. Fortunately, the high-intensity discharge headlights and powerful engine combined to make passing manoeuvres a breeze.

The manual transmission sure is super-precise, but it doesn't match the performance of the S tronic. Through Audi Drive Select, you can select Dynamic mode to improve throttle response, firm up the suspension, and add weight to the already sharp steering. The new TTS is a fascinating car to drive on small, winding roads.

The brand's S models have really found their voice in recent years, and this one serves as a further example. Audi engineers clearly have a knack for dialling up the perfect exhaust note. Every acceleration provides auditory delight as the transmission upshifts and breaks off the sweet, sinister growl of the 4-cylinder engine.

Ascari is a wonderful place
The icing on the cake was a lapping session at Ascari, a private race-track near Ronda. This world-renowned circuit is the longest (4.1km) in Spain and arguably one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The elevation changes make the driver's job harder, but the TTS brilliantly rose to the challenge and made me look like a champion.

Once again, the quattro system contributed to rock-solid handling, while the Dynamic mode ensured extra pleasure for the senses. On a few occasions, with traction control working to keep me safe and sound, I noticed a bit of understeer; however, I can't say it significantly affected my experience on the track.

Conclusion
I have no doubt in my mind that the new 2016 Audi TTS eclipses the current generation in every respect. It's much more powerful and more capable on the road, while still proving functional and friendly in everyday driving, which is a definite plus.

Audi Canada will announce pricing next summer, but don't expect a huge difference from the 2015 model ($60,800). The wait will be long but totally worth it, believe me.

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has admitted Fernando Alonso is leaving Ferrari.

The Spaniard's falling out with the Maranello team and recent dissolving of his contract is an open secret in F1 circles, but it is yet to be officially confirmed.

Also not yet announced is Sebastian Vettel's impending arrival to replace him, but countryman Nico Rosberg insists: "This is great news for our sport.

"It's interesting for all the fans when the four-time world champion changes teams and they wonder 'Can he take his new team back to the front?'" the Mercedes driver told Bild.

Insiders believe Ferrari's confirmation of the Alonso-Vettel news must now be imminent, although talks between the Spanish driver and McLaren-Honda are believed still to be taking place.

However, Italy's Autosprint believes a deal between Alonso and McLaren's new works engine supplier Honda is essentially agreed, and the last detail is the driver's desire for an exit clause.

Fernando Alonso out of Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

"Fernando is leaving (Ferrari) for two reasons," Montezemolo, who was officially replaced as Ferrari president by Sergio Marchionne on Monday, told Italian television Rai on Wednesday.

"One because he wants to cement himself in another environment. And two because he's at an age where he cannot wait to win again. He has been disappointed not to have won (a title) in these years and he needs a new stimulus," Montezemolo added.

Luca di Montezemolo only confirmed what is already widely known in the F1 paddock, and even his likely destination - McLaren-Honda - is no secret.

The bigger question is how arguably the sport's biggest name and best talent found himself playing contract poker with his old nemesis Ron Dennis in possession of a clearly inferior set of cards.

"He has been released from one contract without having another in place," said David Coulthard, "and that does have implications for his negotiations, however badly McLaren want him.

"What will happen to Alonso? Will he take a year out? Race a year in sports cars?" wondered the former McLaren driver, who now commentates for British television BBC.

"From controlling the market, he appears now to be left with a choice between McLaren and a year out," Coulthard added.

Coulthard's former McLaren teammate, the double world champion Mika Hakkinen, doubts a move to Woking will result in immediate success for Alonso.

"During my own career, I worked with many engine manufacturers. There was never success in the first year," the Finn said in his latest interview for sponsor Hermes.

"Based on my own experience, I would consider it to be a small miracle if Honda can go straight to the top," Hakkinen added, "although they do have extensive experience with the world of motor sport."

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has hit back at suggestions he was ousted as Ferrari president because of the Italian team's struggles.

"A lack of results?" the 67-year-old, who was replaced by Fiat's Sergio Marchionne on Monday, reportedly told Italian television Rai on Wednesday.

"Remember that since 1999 we won 14 titles in 15 years.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, sport is not an exact science, and in formula one there are cycles. Ours was very long.

"In the last years we are the team that won the most. In 2008 and in 2010 and 2012 we lost the championship in the last race. The most disappointing was the last one, but that's sport.

"Renault had its cycle for two years, we're coming out of Red Bull's and into Mercedes'.

"Now Ferrari opens a new cycle with a lot of work and investment, taking into account that today's cars are hybrids," he said.

Sergio Marchionne and Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Montezemolo said the most disappointing thing about his departure was the manner in which it took place.

"I've always had a very strong relationship with the Agnelli family," he said, "and I think I did something important in 2004, when I agreed to be chairman of Fiat in extremely dramatic circumstances.

"Perhaps a 'thank you' in the least would have been expected.

"I do not hide that I was not very pleased about how, but it is part of life and it is right that it is the owner who can make decisions," Montezemolo added.

He explained that his removal as president was related to parent group Fiat-Chrysler's debut on the New York stock exchange.

"Everything happened a little fast in relation to the listing of Fiat-Chrysler on the American stock exchange," said Montezemolo, "which happened two days ago.

"There was a need to have Ferrari in a large group and I think this accelerated time a little."

Finally, Montezemolo commented on the accident suffered recently by the critically injured Jules Bianchi.

"We have made tremendous progress with safety. Unfortunately some accidents still happen as was the case with Jules Bianchi, our boy, but the tractor should not have been there," he said.

From GMM

Stefano Domenicali has accepted an offer to work for the German manufacturer Audi.

Earlier this week, we reported that the former Ferrari team boss could be moving to the Ingolstadt-based marque to replace Le Mans team chief Wolfgang Ullrich.

It appears that was wide of the mark.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Italian Domenicali, 49, will instead start in a non motor racing role on 1 November.

But the news, reportedly confirmed by Audi, will almost certainly trigger a new round of speculation about Alonso's future.

Prior to his ousting by Ferrari, Domenicali was known to be close to Fernando Alonso, who according to Luca di Montezemolo is also leaving the Maranello team.

Stefano Domenicali and Fernando Alonso at Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Alonso's next stop is not known, but when he visited the fabled 24 hour Le Mans race in June, he stopped by the Audi garage.

"It's a very attractive category for sure," said Alonso before officially starting the 2014 edition in June. "Definitely I will race here (one day)."

Whilst clearly negotiating with McLaren-Honda about 2015, Alonso has obviously also coveted a seat at the dominant F1 team, Mercedes.

Team bosses have consistently ruled that out.

Indeed, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff told Austria's Sportwoche this week: "Maybe he (Alonso) will leave formula one, take a break. This year he went to see his friend Mark Webber at Le Mans -- it is obviously a race that fascinates him."

From GMM

F1's governing body has formed an 'accident panel' in the wake of Jules Bianchi's life threatening crash.

The news, confirmed in a letter from the FIA to "all F1 teams" this week, follows Marussia angrily hitting back at media reports the team and its French driver were to blame for Bianchi's crash into a recovery vehicle at Suzuka 11 days ago.

The FIA letter asked teams to forward to the Paris federation "any information which you may have regarding the circumstances of this accident, and to keep all documents, testimonies and any pertinent information which may be of interest to the accident panel".

The publication that revealed the disputed and highly controversial information about Bianchi's crash was Germany's Sport Bild, claiming Marussia told the now critically ill Frenchman to speed up to keep Caterham's Marcus Ericsson behind him in the moments before the crash.

Marussia also strenuously denied claims Jules Bianchi did not slow down for the yellow flags.

Jules Bianchi's crash at Suzuka. (Photo: WRi2)

But in the wake of the team's angry denials, Sport Bild has published even more new information.

It claims Bianchi went through the high-speed Dunlop corner at 217kph on the lap before he crashed. Next time around, he was reportedly recorded at 212kph.

The information is reportedly based on an official FIA document.

When asked about the document's existence, FIA spokesman Matteo Bonciani told Germany's Sport1 that "all relevant information about Jules Bianchi's accident was reported by race director Charlie Whiting at Suzuka."

He also would not confirm the existence of the radio messages from Marussia to Bianchi, as originally alleged by Sport Bild.

"This (not commenting on speculation) is a principle of the FIA -- especially in the case of Bianchi," Matteo Bonciani insisted.